The Merriam’s Chipmunk, left side of photo, is trying to figure out the answer to the same question I am asking. Why is the ground squirrel chewing on the rim of the clay pot. I posted an observation yesterday of what I believe to be the same squirrel, doing the same chewing action on the same clay pot?
This squirrel is back yet again chewing on the terra-cotta pot for its minerals. See photo 2 showing all the chewing that has occurred on the rim of the pot, from the numerous squirrel visits.